Monday, June 13, 2011

This past weekend, Amanda and I had the pleasure of working at The Gaylord National at National Harbor. Although my team has done weddings at The Gaylord before, this was my first time to work there, and I was so impressed!

The catering team we worked with was on top of every detail from beginning to end, taking care of everything from finessing an early set-up in the ballroom to providing a gorgeous getting-ready suite for the bridal party to making sure the vendor room was available early. Our account exec, Joanna Kaub, went above and beyond to make the wedding day flawless (even though she was under-the-weather and should have been curled up in a ball) and our personal wedding assistant and Teal Jacket Hero, Tracy, was on hand the entire day attending to every issue. We even had the Director of Local Catering and my long-time friend in the industry, Rachel Chadderdon, stop in to make sure everything was perfect. Phenomenal service!

As a wedding planner, it's the little things that can make a big difference on a wedding day. Having the valets hold my car at the front so I could run out and hop in it when I needed to make a run for a tuxedo jacket a groomsman forgot to pick up and then again when I was ready to dash off to the ceremony was invaluable. Every valet knew Amanda and I by sight and let us run in and out all day long with zero hassle. Amazing!

Not only was the service and food for the wedding guests outstanding but the food for the vendors working on the wedding was fabulous. Now we're all used to eating lots of club sandwiches at weddings but The Gaylord set out a hot buffet for us. Such a treat and one we all really appreciated!

Plus, the Gaylord staff really spoiled the bride with amenities, spa treatments and upgrades from the moment she arrived on property. They really know how to make brides and grooms feel special, and I know the bride loved all the hotel's special touches on her wedding weekend.

Amanda and I were blown away by The Gaylord and we can't wait to go back. Oh, heck, I may go back next weekend just to hang out with the fun staff and watch the fireworks. I'm sure they would love to have a wedding planner stalking them!